About the Author

At (in)courage, we empower women to be like Jesus. Our writers share what’s going on in their life and how God’s right in the middle of it. They bring their joys & struggles so that you can feel less alone and be empowered by the hope Jesus gives.

(in)side DaySpring: things we love
& you will too!
Find more at DaySpring.com
(in)side DaySpring:
things we love
& you will too!
Find more at
DaySpring.com
Recent Posts

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. (in)courage ladies,
    So many options, so little time. All of these 31 day challenges sound inviting and intriguing. I’ll just have to get a pumpkin spice latte and settle in!! Just wanted to pop in this morning and say “thank you” for the life giving words you offer up here every day. You are such an encouragement to me and to all the readers who visit here. I know that God would say, “Well done my good and faithful servants.” May you all be blessed!
    Always,
    Bev

  2. “…just because we talk a lot about how words matter doesn’t necessarily mean you need to use a lot of words to matter.”

    SPOT.ON.

    Thank you for this encouragement today! 🙂

  3. God knew I needed this encouragement today that whether my words are many or few, they matter. I don’t have to write a book to make them matter. I don’t have to write every day at my blog to make them matter. Even if they are few in comparison with others, they matter. Thank you! I have been feeling intimidated, overwhelmed, and defeated as I see so many posts come in my email because some are joining this 31-day challenge (many who normally posted once a week). While I admire everyone who can do this, I feel too overwhelmed to even think of trying it. I compare myself and feel like I’m not enough. I’m overwhelmed also, because I can’t read them all and feel guilty or afraid I’ll miss something good if I don’t read them. So thank you for this post! This post has brought this verse to mind – “May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing to You, O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.” (Psalm 19:14) That’s what I should be concentrating on, whether my words are more or less.

    • Trudy, I’ve been working through this too. The 31-day challenge would be so fun to do, but not this month. I figure we know what our priorities need to be and we can be content in that, yes? 🙂 I’ll share the thought that I’ve reminded myself of when the “I’m not enough” lie comes in: “With Jesus I am enough for what He has for me to be and do.” May God make the words we do write matter to those who read them.

      • Hi Trudy,

        I have learned throughout the years to do only what Jesus is leading me to do. More than that most likely is with the wrong motives. I also am learning that I only compare myself with myself where I have been say three months ago.

        Peter, when Jesus asked him if he loved Him and then encouraged Peter to feed His lambs and sheep also went on to explain, prophesy Peter would be led where he didn’t want to go. Peter asked about another disciple, and Jesus gently told him in no uncertain terms not to concern himself with the other disciple, and just worry about what Jesus gave Peter to do.

        I’m not trying to boss, but Trudy, I went through so much stress, tension, and burnout with what other people are doing, and did way too much when my first round of kids were growing up. I can’t get those years back. God is really only concerned if I love Him and I do what He tells me to do. He Knows Your, and he knows He will still stretch you in the way that is beneficial for you, not burning you out with what other people are doing.

        • No, you don’t sound bossy. It’s so true, but insecurity does taunt me sometimes, and I fall into the comparison trap. I try to remind myself of these things, but sometimes it only reaches my head, not my heart. I am growing little by little, but sometimes it feels like one step forward, two steps back. I am so grateful for God’s endless patience. Thank you for these reminders, Joanne!

  4. I too appreciated this post. It’s convicting and encouraging at the same time. With two boys 17 months apart in the house, plenty of words are spoken between them that tear down. And sometimes, my mama words don’t help. I appreciate the reminder that words matter. Whether they’re written or spoken, they impact others. May the words that slip from my mouth and from my fingertips be words of life for others.

    Today, I am going to be extra careful with the words that are directed toward my family, making sure they are words of grace rather than sarcasm or impatience. Thanks for the exhortation!